Fr. Francis Lucas, president of the Catholic Media Network, stated that while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle still has strong chances of being chosen as the next pope, he faces tough competition from other highly qualified cardinals.
“Iyung lumalabas ngayon, mataas ang tyansa ni Cardinal Tagle pero ‘yung mga maaaring manalo din ay matitindi rin: si [Cardinal Pietro] Parolin, si [Cardinal Peter] Erdo, si [Peter] Turkson, si [Cardinal Christoph] Schonborn. Pero si Schonborn, matanda na ito pero naka-close niya si Benedict the 16th,” he said.
He added that one reason Tagle has an advantage is the change in the makeup of the cardinals who will vote for the next Pope. The European Union holds 38% of the vote, followed by Asia (19%), Africa (13%), the U.S.-Canada region (10%), and Oceania (3%).
“Kung titingnan, maraming chance ‘yung hindi taga Europe. Kaya si Cardinal Tagle, may chance pero hindi ako magpe-predict,” he said.
Lucas also mentioned that the Vatican has begun preparations in case the Pope’s condition worsens. The Pope has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, an illness that affects both of his lungs.
“Sa Vatican, nagpe-prapare na rin sila ‘just in case’. Pati ‘yung kanyang private guards, nagma-martsa na ‘yan kung paano gagawin. Nagpa-plano na sila kasi hindi pwedeng biglang mamatay tapos saka magpa-plano,” he said.
